Monday, May 4, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Happy Earth Day!
Here are some tips to help Mother Earth every day of the year!
-Vow to eat an entirely local meal at least once a week.
-Boycott at least one non-green product all year. Make it something that you like and would purchase if it were more eco-friendly. Write to the company that manufactures this product and tell them why you now choose not to buy it.
-Give up using paper napkins, paper towels, or both. Buy a few sets of decorative organic cloth napkins. Clean up spills with old towels cut into smaller squares and then toss them into the laundry.
-Change to low-energy light bulbs.
-Cut down on the power that your electronic devices use by plugging them into power strips you can conveniently switch off when you’re not using them.
-Don’t drive when you can walk. Take time to appreciate the glimpse of beauty and vibrant life that the natural world offers. Savor the moments spent away from the rushed hustle and bustle tempo of our schedule-oriented world.
-Turn off the faucet while you’re brushing your teeth. Also take shorter showers or turn off the water while you’re soaping up.
-Buy less stuff and really give thought before you buy something. Sometimes it helps to leave the store and think clearheadedly about whether or not you truly need the item(s).
-Pledge to actually remember to bring your own grocery bags when you go shopping. Hang a prominent reminder (maybe a picture of a tree stump!) from your rear view mirror to help you remember to grab your bags when you get out of the car. Don’t hesitate to run back to your car if you find you’ve forgotten them again. Have someone hold your place in the check-out line and take advantage of the opportunity to burn some calories.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Going Green With Your Kids
As you integrate green living choices into your own life, you might be wondering how kids fit into the equation. What does it really mean to have a "green kid?" Greening your children is about going beyond the things that you do to create a green lifestyle for your family—it is really all about education.
Today’s kids will soon rule tomorrow’s world. The best that we can possibly do to prepare the next generations is to consistently teach them about the green living values that are critical for their own survival. After all, they do share a common future with our planet.
Outdoor Education
The very mention of the word ‘childhood’ connotes the concept of play. In ages past though, childhood was also about learning responsibility and doing work. Chores and responsibilities helped to instill a sense of pride in children, giving them their own important place in the community. And the idea of community is probably the first important step towards getting children to think green.
The most important thing you can do to teach your children about the environment from an early age is to provide them plenty of opportunities to play outdoors.
Here are some green kid activity ideas:
* If you have outdoor space, encourage them to plant seeds, care for them, and watch them grow.
* Build a birdhouse in the backyard.
* Bond with them during a bike ride out in the woods.
* If you live in the city, take them to your neighborhood park and observe the butterflies that come to pollinate the flowers. Tune your dial to nature’s channel as you listen for birds and watch for other outdoor critters.
* You can even take them to a community garden where they can learn how others grow fruits and vegetables.
It might indeed take a bit of effort to smoothly work it into your schedule, but actively helping your child to build direct connections with the natural world instills a deep respect for the planet from their early years.
Travel Time
America’s landscape is defined by endless stretches of scenic geography—venture out and create experiences for your green kid to learn and observe the natural world at work. Consider these ideas and add your own to the list:
* Plan a geographical expedition and take your kids to a state park for a hike or a weekend camping trip.
* Explore waterfront activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
* Talk with your children about the plants and animals they see and the things and places that you love or would like to explore.
* Have them engage in drawing activities and nature journals where they can record all that they experience on your outing.
Today’s kids will soon rule tomorrow’s world. The best that we can possibly do to prepare the next generations is to consistently teach them about the green living values that are critical for their own survival.
Clichéd as it sounds, childhood does not last for very long at all, and yet, most parents invest a lot of time stressing about day-to-day situations. Make a commitment to increase your time investment or to continue spending quality time with them—don’t waste these precious years!
Green at Play
It is easy enough to infuse a child’s experience with green living values in the guise of play—everyday tasks can become a fun and meaningful way for them to live and to learn about the world that surrounds them. Getting children excited about composting or recycling starts right at home. Children are generally fond of routines and creating compost heaps or sorting recycling from garbage in the kitchen can be a great activity to experiment with at an early age. This type of project involvement in the home can extend into other green value practices, such as picking out recyclable items during grocery shopping trips or involvement in school or community recycling programs.
Also discuss community-based options with your child, such as volunteering some time at a community garden, which nurtures a consideration for the earth and a connection with fellow community members. Cooking together provides an ideal opportunity to encourage your kids to think green—you can teach them about nutritional health, where our food comes from, and the importance of eating together as a family.
Green Media Toolbox
Since nearly all kids are magnetically drawn to any kind of media, why not use this as an educational tool for green living?
* Seek out television shows and interactive media—or better yet live theater—that teach green living values.
* Rather than relying on what is available in your neighborhood, actively suggest that environmental entertainment be incorporated into your child’s school curriculum.
* Check out environmental TV shows such as The Discovery channel or websites for environmental entertainment organizations such as www.greenkids.org to get ideas for performances that you can discuss with schoolteachers or your PTA. Green media or performance activities make for rich and meaningful field trip opportunities.
Green educational opportunities outside of school also await your green kids—look for extracurricular activities that nurture environmental consciousness.
* There are plenty of kids’ clubs in which you can enroll your child that focus on preserving the environment or saving animals that are in danger of going extinct.
* Your local library is sure to offer you plenty of resources ranging from books to community clubs and activities that you can explore. Discover Life is a great Web site that hosts a Green Kids Books section, allowing you to meet authors and illustrators of kids’ environmental literature.
* Environmental magazines such as National Geographic and Sanctuary, and Web sites such as www.kidsaregreen.org, offer quizzes, activities, contests, and resources that help support you in teaching children about environmental issues all over the world. You can encourage your kids to give their friends subscriptions to such magazines for their birthdays and holidays.
Above all, have your kids do as you would do yourself. The truth is kids learn more from there their parents than anyone or anything else—if living green is important to you, then rest assured they too will pick up the habit. You are without doubt the most important person in their life, and chances are they will want to do what you do. Remember though, you won’t have them for a very long, so while you do—teach your children well!
Today’s kids will soon rule tomorrow’s world. The best that we can possibly do to prepare the next generations is to consistently teach them about the green living values that are critical for their own survival. After all, they do share a common future with our planet.
Outdoor Education
The very mention of the word ‘childhood’ connotes the concept of play. In ages past though, childhood was also about learning responsibility and doing work. Chores and responsibilities helped to instill a sense of pride in children, giving them their own important place in the community. And the idea of community is probably the first important step towards getting children to think green.
The most important thing you can do to teach your children about the environment from an early age is to provide them plenty of opportunities to play outdoors.
Here are some green kid activity ideas:
* If you have outdoor space, encourage them to plant seeds, care for them, and watch them grow.
* Build a birdhouse in the backyard.
* Bond with them during a bike ride out in the woods.
* If you live in the city, take them to your neighborhood park and observe the butterflies that come to pollinate the flowers. Tune your dial to nature’s channel as you listen for birds and watch for other outdoor critters.
* You can even take them to a community garden where they can learn how others grow fruits and vegetables.
It might indeed take a bit of effort to smoothly work it into your schedule, but actively helping your child to build direct connections with the natural world instills a deep respect for the planet from their early years.
Travel Time
America’s landscape is defined by endless stretches of scenic geography—venture out and create experiences for your green kid to learn and observe the natural world at work. Consider these ideas and add your own to the list:
* Plan a geographical expedition and take your kids to a state park for a hike or a weekend camping trip.
* Explore waterfront activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
* Talk with your children about the plants and animals they see and the things and places that you love or would like to explore.
* Have them engage in drawing activities and nature journals where they can record all that they experience on your outing.
Today’s kids will soon rule tomorrow’s world. The best that we can possibly do to prepare the next generations is to consistently teach them about the green living values that are critical for their own survival.
Clichéd as it sounds, childhood does not last for very long at all, and yet, most parents invest a lot of time stressing about day-to-day situations. Make a commitment to increase your time investment or to continue spending quality time with them—don’t waste these precious years!
Green at Play
It is easy enough to infuse a child’s experience with green living values in the guise of play—everyday tasks can become a fun and meaningful way for them to live and to learn about the world that surrounds them. Getting children excited about composting or recycling starts right at home. Children are generally fond of routines and creating compost heaps or sorting recycling from garbage in the kitchen can be a great activity to experiment with at an early age. This type of project involvement in the home can extend into other green value practices, such as picking out recyclable items during grocery shopping trips or involvement in school or community recycling programs.
Also discuss community-based options with your child, such as volunteering some time at a community garden, which nurtures a consideration for the earth and a connection with fellow community members. Cooking together provides an ideal opportunity to encourage your kids to think green—you can teach them about nutritional health, where our food comes from, and the importance of eating together as a family.
Green Media Toolbox
Since nearly all kids are magnetically drawn to any kind of media, why not use this as an educational tool for green living?
* Seek out television shows and interactive media—or better yet live theater—that teach green living values.
* Rather than relying on what is available in your neighborhood, actively suggest that environmental entertainment be incorporated into your child’s school curriculum.
* Check out environmental TV shows such as The Discovery channel or websites for environmental entertainment organizations such as www.greenkids.org to get ideas for performances that you can discuss with schoolteachers or your PTA. Green media or performance activities make for rich and meaningful field trip opportunities.
Green educational opportunities outside of school also await your green kids—look for extracurricular activities that nurture environmental consciousness.
* There are plenty of kids’ clubs in which you can enroll your child that focus on preserving the environment or saving animals that are in danger of going extinct.
* Your local library is sure to offer you plenty of resources ranging from books to community clubs and activities that you can explore. Discover Life is a great Web site that hosts a Green Kids Books section, allowing you to meet authors and illustrators of kids’ environmental literature.
* Environmental magazines such as National Geographic and Sanctuary, and Web sites such as www.kidsaregreen.org, offer quizzes, activities, contests, and resources that help support you in teaching children about environmental issues all over the world. You can encourage your kids to give their friends subscriptions to such magazines for their birthdays and holidays.
Above all, have your kids do as you would do yourself. The truth is kids learn more from there their parents than anyone or anything else—if living green is important to you, then rest assured they too will pick up the habit. You are without doubt the most important person in their life, and chances are they will want to do what you do. Remember though, you won’t have them for a very long, so while you do—teach your children well!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Spring Ahead!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Next-Best Thing: Leasing Solar Panels
There is no question that purchasing a solar system to power your home is an effective way to immediately cut your impact on the planet and gradually cut your energy-related spending. And although it's usually an economically-sound decision in the long run, buying a solar panel system has a large up front cost, even with government-funded rebates.
Knowing that the average homeowner may not have the funds needed to install solar panels, several entrepreneurial companies have formed with the goal of offering solar panel rental to interested homeowners.
Rental Companies
Most of the recent rental hype has swirled aroud Citizenrē, a corporation whose REnU program seems to have a number of advantages over traditional solar panel purchase. Other up-and-comers include:
How It Works
Although there are some differences between the companies in terms of what is offered, the basic idea behind solar panel rental is consistent in each package. After an initial deposit of around $500-$1,000, which is refunded at the end of your lease, solar panels are installed in an amount roughly corresponding to your household’s energy needs. Each month, you pay rent to the company that leased the panels.
All the power produced by the solar panels powers your house and the excess flows back into the grid, causing your meter to run backwards. Currently, solar panel rental is available only in those places with net metering, meaning that the difference between what is produced and what is used can be tracked.
The Economics
Renting solar equipment and buying solar equipment follow two very different strategies. The cost of buying photovoltaic (PV) panels to power a home is usually around $50,000. However, the installation of solar panels for the purpose of heating water is only around $6,000 and can be lowered further after rebates and tax credits are factored in. Solar panels also add value to your home, and some areas allow you to sell power back to the grid.
Visit Minnesota-based freEner-g for a Leasing vs Purchasing comparison.
If you are curious about what the cost would be for you, Find Solar offers a solar calculator that estimates costs of buying solar panels according to location and a few other factors. Depending on the power used in your home, the amount of energy produced, and electricity costs in coming years, the time necessary for you to begin saving money varies greatly, but it is likely to take well over a decade for PV panels.
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) provides comprehensive information about leasing, rebates programs, loans, grants, incentives, exemptions, and more for renewable energy and energy efficiency in each state.
Rentals have a much smaller startup cost and it is possible to lock in a rate that will stay constant for the next 25 years, depending on the rental period. Initially, the costs per month will exceed that of obtaining energy through the grid. However, savings are likely based on the assumption that energy costs will continue to rise, but have no guarantee of paying off in the long run.
Rentals are riskier than buying panels that will certainly save you big money after a couple of decades. However, a small variation in cost aside, solar panel rental will allow hundreds of thousands, if not millions of homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and decrease dependence on non-renewable resources. It is difficult to predict whether the costs for solar rental will be slightly higher, the same as, or lower than traditional power from the grid, but it is certain that, should this enterprise succeed, the environmental benefits will be marked.
Knowing that the average homeowner may not have the funds needed to install solar panels, several entrepreneurial companies have formed with the goal of offering solar panel rental to interested homeowners.
Rental Companies
Most of the recent rental hype has swirled aroud Citizenrē, a corporation whose REnU program seems to have a number of advantages over traditional solar panel purchase. Other up-and-comers include:
- freEner-g, a Minnesota-based program initially developed to serve the Minneapolis/St. Paul Area
CT Solar Lease, which serves areas of Connecticut
SolarCity, serving areas of Arizona, California, and Oregon
How It Works
Although there are some differences between the companies in terms of what is offered, the basic idea behind solar panel rental is consistent in each package. After an initial deposit of around $500-$1,000, which is refunded at the end of your lease, solar panels are installed in an amount roughly corresponding to your household’s energy needs. Each month, you pay rent to the company that leased the panels.
All the power produced by the solar panels powers your house and the excess flows back into the grid, causing your meter to run backwards. Currently, solar panel rental is available only in those places with net metering, meaning that the difference between what is produced and what is used can be tracked.
The Economics
Renting solar equipment and buying solar equipment follow two very different strategies. The cost of buying photovoltaic (PV) panels to power a home is usually around $50,000. However, the installation of solar panels for the purpose of heating water is only around $6,000 and can be lowered further after rebates and tax credits are factored in. Solar panels also add value to your home, and some areas allow you to sell power back to the grid.
Visit Minnesota-based freEner-g for a Leasing vs Purchasing comparison.
If you are curious about what the cost would be for you, Find Solar offers a solar calculator that estimates costs of buying solar panels according to location and a few other factors. Depending on the power used in your home, the amount of energy produced, and electricity costs in coming years, the time necessary for you to begin saving money varies greatly, but it is likely to take well over a decade for PV panels.
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) provides comprehensive information about leasing, rebates programs, loans, grants, incentives, exemptions, and more for renewable energy and energy efficiency in each state.
Rentals have a much smaller startup cost and it is possible to lock in a rate that will stay constant for the next 25 years, depending on the rental period. Initially, the costs per month will exceed that of obtaining energy through the grid. However, savings are likely based on the assumption that energy costs will continue to rise, but have no guarantee of paying off in the long run.
Rentals are riskier than buying panels that will certainly save you big money after a couple of decades. However, a small variation in cost aside, solar panel rental will allow hundreds of thousands, if not millions of homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and decrease dependence on non-renewable resources. It is difficult to predict whether the costs for solar rental will be slightly higher, the same as, or lower than traditional power from the grid, but it is certain that, should this enterprise succeed, the environmental benefits will be marked.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Generating Your Own Wind Power
So you’ve pledged your allegiance to clean, green energy and are looking for ways to support it. How about generating your own?
You've probably seen giant, commercial wind turbines, but did you know that you can buy your own mini wind turbine to put in your backyard?
Last year, roughly 7,000 Americans purchased a residential-scale wind turbine to power some or all of their home, farm, or small business. These three-bladed, propeller-shaped generators are around 15 feet in diameter, perched atop a 40-to-100-foot tower, and generate clean, greenhouse gas-free electricity for on-site use. These "small wind" turbines give individuals a direct way to help the environment while stabilizing, or even eliminating their energy costs and generating their own reliable power.
Benefits and Uses of Wind Energy
Many models of residential-scale wind turbines can be connected to the electric grid so that a consumer has power even when the wind isn’t blowing. Grid interconnection also means that if the consumer doesn’t use as much electricity as the turbine produces, the excess can be fed backwards into the grid for credit on the consumer’s monthly electric bill.
Small wind systems are most practical for individuals or businesses located in areas with above-average wind speeds, and with at least half an acre of open land to allow the wind to "stretch its legs." Regions where electricity prices are also especially high make small wind systems an attractive investment.
Small wind turbines are also popular choices for people who live in remote locations, away from the electric grid. Uses for these off-the-grid turbines include powering cabins, pumping water on farms, and even powering accessories on sailboats. For these applications, the turbine charges batteries to supply electricity even when the wind doesn’t blow.
Often a turbine will be installed in conjunction with solar/photovoltaic (PV) panels. Wind tends to blow more strongly at night (when the sun isn’t shining), making wind and solar energy natural complements.
Demand for small wind systems has grown sharply in the past decade to match widening concerns about global warming, rising and unpredictable energy costs, and energy security. While these driving forces are relatively new, small wind turbines have been around since the 1920s. Wind power technology has made remarkable advancements since then, and, to make a good story even better, its industry's high-tech jobs remain firmly planted within U.S. borders.
The U.S. leads the world in production of small wind turbines, and with the special help of wind “laboratories” at the U.S. Department of Energy, small wind turbines are more durable, efficient, and user-friendly than ever before. Buying a small wind system is quickly becoming as normal as buying a clothes dryer or any other appliance. Some turbines even transmit live performance data to your home computer and will tell you if maintenance is needed.
Who Should Buy One?
Small wind systems are most practical for individuals or businesses located in areas with above-average wind speeds, and with at least half an acre of open land to allow the wind to "stretch its legs." Regions where electricity prices are also especially high make small wind systems an attractive investment.
But what if you don’t have an acre of land? A lot of suburbanites and city-dwellers ask if they can put a small wind turbine on the roof of their home or even their office building, in the style of other green building tactics. This would seem to make sense, as it would prevent the cost of purchasing a tower, and you may say, "That’s where my solar panels are anyway…." However, there are a few important differences between installing a turbine in an open field and on a city rooftop:
Are There Drawbacks?
The biggest hurdle for consumers is usually the price tag. A turbine large enough to power an entire home can run from $12,000 to $55,000 (including installation costs). However, several states offer rebate programs and other financial assistance that can reduce this cost dramatically. The good news is that small wind turbines last a long time—around 20 to 30 years—and require very little in maintenance costs.
Depending on where you live, the process of obtaining a permit from your city or town to install a turbine may be time-consuming and even fairly expensive. Some cities have a far more streamlined permitting process than others, so be sure to investigate the requirements before you buy.
Your neighbors may also be uncomfortable with your new turbine for aesthetic reasons, and might even try to prevent you from installing it. This is why it is especially important to alert your neighbors about your intended project ahead of time, and to explain exactly what they might expect your new installation to look like. For help, see the American Wind Energy Association Web site.
Other Considerations
What else would you need to know about buying a small wind turbine? Make sure the zoning laws in your city or town allow structures like these to be installed. Equally important, make sure that your neighbors know all of the facts about small turbines, and your project in particular, before they assume the worst. Also investigate whether your state has any rebate or incentive programs that can help you pay for these often expensive systems. The American Wind Energy Association is currently lobbying for a federal-level consumer tax credit to help individuals buy small wind turbines. For grid-connected turbines, check with your power utility to see if they will allow you to hook up your system to the grid, and what sort of regulations they require.
To learn if your property would be a good fit for a small wind system, contact a dealer, installer, or manufacturer. A list of companies, and much more information, can be found at the American Wind Energy Association Web site.
You've probably seen giant, commercial wind turbines, but did you know that you can buy your own mini wind turbine to put in your backyard?
Last year, roughly 7,000 Americans purchased a residential-scale wind turbine to power some or all of their home, farm, or small business. These three-bladed, propeller-shaped generators are around 15 feet in diameter, perched atop a 40-to-100-foot tower, and generate clean, greenhouse gas-free electricity for on-site use. These "small wind" turbines give individuals a direct way to help the environment while stabilizing, or even eliminating their energy costs and generating their own reliable power.
Benefits and Uses of Wind Energy
Many models of residential-scale wind turbines can be connected to the electric grid so that a consumer has power even when the wind isn’t blowing. Grid interconnection also means that if the consumer doesn’t use as much electricity as the turbine produces, the excess can be fed backwards into the grid for credit on the consumer’s monthly electric bill.
Small wind systems are most practical for individuals or businesses located in areas with above-average wind speeds, and with at least half an acre of open land to allow the wind to "stretch its legs." Regions where electricity prices are also especially high make small wind systems an attractive investment.
Small wind turbines are also popular choices for people who live in remote locations, away from the electric grid. Uses for these off-the-grid turbines include powering cabins, pumping water on farms, and even powering accessories on sailboats. For these applications, the turbine charges batteries to supply electricity even when the wind doesn’t blow.
Often a turbine will be installed in conjunction with solar/photovoltaic (PV) panels. Wind tends to blow more strongly at night (when the sun isn’t shining), making wind and solar energy natural complements.
Demand for small wind systems has grown sharply in the past decade to match widening concerns about global warming, rising and unpredictable energy costs, and energy security. While these driving forces are relatively new, small wind turbines have been around since the 1920s. Wind power technology has made remarkable advancements since then, and, to make a good story even better, its industry's high-tech jobs remain firmly planted within U.S. borders.
The U.S. leads the world in production of small wind turbines, and with the special help of wind “laboratories” at the U.S. Department of Energy, small wind turbines are more durable, efficient, and user-friendly than ever before. Buying a small wind system is quickly becoming as normal as buying a clothes dryer or any other appliance. Some turbines even transmit live performance data to your home computer and will tell you if maintenance is needed.
Who Should Buy One?
Small wind systems are most practical for individuals or businesses located in areas with above-average wind speeds, and with at least half an acre of open land to allow the wind to "stretch its legs." Regions where electricity prices are also especially high make small wind systems an attractive investment.
But what if you don’t have an acre of land? A lot of suburbanites and city-dwellers ask if they can put a small wind turbine on the roof of their home or even their office building, in the style of other green building tactics. This would seem to make sense, as it would prevent the cost of purchasing a tower, and you may say, "That’s where my solar panels are anyway…." However, there are a few important differences between installing a turbine in an open field and on a city rooftop:
- 1. The wind quality is different on a roof or in the city. Rooftop ledges create a lot of turbulence, which makes finding the necessary pockets of fast-moving, dense air more difficult. As a rule of thumb, the hub of a wind turbine should be at least 30 feet higher than anything else in the immediate vicinity to take advantage of the greater wind speeds at greater heights, without interference from trees or buildings.
2. Most roofs are not designed to hold the weight of a turbine. Nor are they usually built to withstand the constant vibrations that a spinning object will inevitably send though a building.
City zoning regulations usually prohibit this type of home improvement (however, the cities of Chicago and San Francisco have recently granting permits for "urban wind" installations).
3. While these factors can present significant challenges, successful rooftop installations are possible, and a small handful of companies are developing building-integrated small wind systems specifically designed to function under these conditions. Just remember to take all these considerations into account before deciding to make a small wind turbine part of your green home.
Are There Drawbacks?
The biggest hurdle for consumers is usually the price tag. A turbine large enough to power an entire home can run from $12,000 to $55,000 (including installation costs). However, several states offer rebate programs and other financial assistance that can reduce this cost dramatically. The good news is that small wind turbines last a long time—around 20 to 30 years—and require very little in maintenance costs.
Depending on where you live, the process of obtaining a permit from your city or town to install a turbine may be time-consuming and even fairly expensive. Some cities have a far more streamlined permitting process than others, so be sure to investigate the requirements before you buy.
Your neighbors may also be uncomfortable with your new turbine for aesthetic reasons, and might even try to prevent you from installing it. This is why it is especially important to alert your neighbors about your intended project ahead of time, and to explain exactly what they might expect your new installation to look like. For help, see the American Wind Energy Association Web site.
Other Considerations
What else would you need to know about buying a small wind turbine? Make sure the zoning laws in your city or town allow structures like these to be installed. Equally important, make sure that your neighbors know all of the facts about small turbines, and your project in particular, before they assume the worst. Also investigate whether your state has any rebate or incentive programs that can help you pay for these often expensive systems. The American Wind Energy Association is currently lobbying for a federal-level consumer tax credit to help individuals buy small wind turbines. For grid-connected turbines, check with your power utility to see if they will allow you to hook up your system to the grid, and what sort of regulations they require.
To learn if your property would be a good fit for a small wind system, contact a dealer, installer, or manufacturer. A list of companies, and much more information, can be found at the American Wind Energy Association Web site.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Tankless Water Heater for Long-Term Savings
Just as a calm, warm shower can cleanse the body, a green way of doing it can soothe the soul. While residents leave the heat off in their homes when they leave for vacation, the same cannot be said for hot water in most households. It seems only logical to leave the hot water off when it is not needed.
This is the logic behind the “tankless” or “instant” water heater, which provides on-demand and instantaneous hot water at an efficient and less costly rate. And though the intangible savings of fossil fuel pollution and water waste are not immediately apparent, the fact that energy and water are such indelible aspects of a home’s eco-footprint means that the water heater is an ideal target for those aiming to conserve.
Tankless heaters not only save several square feet of storage space—there’s also no stand-by energy losses and no sitting water. Typical tankless water heaters can be about 35 percent more energy efficient than traditional storage tank water heaters for a home that uses about 40 gallons of hot water a day.
Depending on the extent of their use, tankless heaters can yield energy savings of up to 50 percent if they are installed in a strategic and advantageous manner. Since approximately 15 percent of the total energy expenditure of typical households goes to heating water, the benefits can be far-reaching.
Like most green building features, the product costs more initially and saves...over the course of the product’s lifespan....for people who want to integrate green building systems into their homes, going tankless is an effective way of striving toward that goal.
For the eco-conscious, solar water heating is the best, though the current price tag can be a bit daunting. The next best step is "going tankless" with an electric or gas-powered heater. It is imperative to do some homework to determine what kind of tankless system will work best with the distinguished features of the home and the lifestyle of its occupants.
The Basics of Tankless
Before scurrying to the store, it is advisable to know how tankless systems actually work. When the hot water tap is turned on, cooler regular water pumps through a pipe into the water heater unit. This on-demand design frees home owners from having to wait for a water tank to fill up with enough water.
In general, gas-powered tankless heaters produce higher flow rates of water compared to electric heaters. The drawback is that some gas-powered heaters with pilots actually waste energy, thereby negating the good intentions of the eco-conscious resident. You can curb this waste factor by:
Gas-powered models rely on either propane or natural gas and require stainless steel venting accessories that can run up the purchase by an extra few hundred dollars.
For electric heaters, consult with a reputable electrician, who can recommend voltage and survey your home for circuits. Most retailers sell heaters that will accommodate voltages of 110, 120, 208, 220, 240, and 277. For gas, the decision comes down to propane or natural gas and considering where the discharge will go.
When you are serious about contacting a contractor:
Ideally, you’ll find a contractor who shares and understands your goal of reducing your energy consumption and water usage. The contractor can then consider the most strategic heating unit placement as they develop their plans, because the efficiencies of tankless heaters diminish the farther they’re located from the area in the home that needs hot water.
Examining Your Lifestyle
If you’re not such a whiz with mathematical calculations, a good way to polish your arithmetic skills is to formulate how a tankless water heater can reconcile your daily household routine with your green conscience.
A strong tankless heater can pump about 5 gallons a minute of hot water throughout the whole house. But if your teenaged kid likes taking 15-minute showers while you run the dishwasher, this might not suffice. Calculating your flow-rate demand is key in determining whether to install one heater for the whole house or multiple heaters for different appliances and bathrooms. In a busy household, all of these appliances running at the same time can challenge a tankless heater’s ability to meet hot water demand.
In addition, the climate conditions where you live can affect the performance of your heating unit. There is a notable difference between operating a tankless heater in Michigan compared to operating one in Arizona in the dead of February. Naturally, water in the Southeast desert is warmer and is thus less taxing on your heater.
To run the numbers in a calculation checklist:
If your incoming water temperature for the shower is 60 degrees and you want to enjoy a 125 degree shower at a water flow rate of 3 gallons/minute, you will need a heater capable of reaching at least 65 degrees at 3 gallons/minute. If you want your heater to provide for more than just the shower—such as the kitchen sink or the dishwasher—then they need to be factored into the equation when investigating the heating unit’s capabilities.
Powerful gas-powered tankless heaters can warm water 70 degrees at five gallons/minute, while electric heaters can achieve two gallons/minute.
Faster flow rates or cooler inlet temperatures can sometimes reduce water temperature at the most distant faucet. In a busy household, some residents might want to run a bath tub at a lower flow rate for a warmer bath.
Tankless is an Investment
Like most green building features, the product costs more initially and saves money and energy consumption over the course of the product’s lifespan. Tankless water heaters vary in price and usually cost several hundred dollars more than the typical tank heater. In addition, installation can notch the price up into the four figures. Consulting a contractor and acquiring a permit through the city or county are both time-consuming and cumbersome.
But for people who want to integrate green building systems into their homes, going tankless is an effective way of striving toward that goal. Amid rising energy costs and water bills in some regions of the country, current savings can hover around $100 a year.
Tankless water heaters last for about 20 years, compared to the 10 to 15 year lifespan of the tank. And tankless heaters feature easily replaceable parts that can extend its lifespan years beyond that. Tax credits are available for making the improvement, which can save you hundreds of dollars. Check your state's Web site for more information. At the federal level, The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides tax credits through 2007 for homeowners who make such improvements.
The leap from the tank takes time, money, and patience. But once the leap is made, those warm showers might become a little warmer.
This is the logic behind the “tankless” or “instant” water heater, which provides on-demand and instantaneous hot water at an efficient and less costly rate. And though the intangible savings of fossil fuel pollution and water waste are not immediately apparent, the fact that energy and water are such indelible aspects of a home’s eco-footprint means that the water heater is an ideal target for those aiming to conserve.
Tankless heaters not only save several square feet of storage space—there’s also no stand-by energy losses and no sitting water. Typical tankless water heaters can be about 35 percent more energy efficient than traditional storage tank water heaters for a home that uses about 40 gallons of hot water a day.
Depending on the extent of their use, tankless heaters can yield energy savings of up to 50 percent if they are installed in a strategic and advantageous manner. Since approximately 15 percent of the total energy expenditure of typical households goes to heating water, the benefits can be far-reaching.
Like most green building features, the product costs more initially and saves...over the course of the product’s lifespan....for people who want to integrate green building systems into their homes, going tankless is an effective way of striving toward that goal.
For the eco-conscious, solar water heating is the best, though the current price tag can be a bit daunting. The next best step is "going tankless" with an electric or gas-powered heater. It is imperative to do some homework to determine what kind of tankless system will work best with the distinguished features of the home and the lifestyle of its occupants.
The Basics of Tankless
Before scurrying to the store, it is advisable to know how tankless systems actually work. When the hot water tap is turned on, cooler regular water pumps through a pipe into the water heater unit. This on-demand design frees home owners from having to wait for a water tank to fill up with enough water.
In general, gas-powered tankless heaters produce higher flow rates of water compared to electric heaters. The drawback is that some gas-powered heaters with pilots actually waste energy, thereby negating the good intentions of the eco-conscious resident. You can curb this waste factor by:
- Purchasing pilot lights that you can turn off
- Installing models that have intermittent ignition devices, similar to spark ignitions in gas ovens
Gas-powered models rely on either propane or natural gas and require stainless steel venting accessories that can run up the purchase by an extra few hundred dollars.
For electric heaters, consult with a reputable electrician, who can recommend voltage and survey your home for circuits. Most retailers sell heaters that will accommodate voltages of 110, 120, 208, 220, 240, and 277. For gas, the decision comes down to propane or natural gas and considering where the discharge will go.
When you are serious about contacting a contractor:
- Check backgrounds at the local Better Business Bureau and get several estimates.
- Contact the city or county to learn about permits and codes.
- Be sure that the contractor is well informed about local government standards as well.
Ideally, you’ll find a contractor who shares and understands your goal of reducing your energy consumption and water usage. The contractor can then consider the most strategic heating unit placement as they develop their plans, because the efficiencies of tankless heaters diminish the farther they’re located from the area in the home that needs hot water.
Examining Your Lifestyle
If you’re not such a whiz with mathematical calculations, a good way to polish your arithmetic skills is to formulate how a tankless water heater can reconcile your daily household routine with your green conscience.
A strong tankless heater can pump about 5 gallons a minute of hot water throughout the whole house. But if your teenaged kid likes taking 15-minute showers while you run the dishwasher, this might not suffice. Calculating your flow-rate demand is key in determining whether to install one heater for the whole house or multiple heaters for different appliances and bathrooms. In a busy household, all of these appliances running at the same time can challenge a tankless heater’s ability to meet hot water demand.
In addition, the climate conditions where you live can affect the performance of your heating unit. There is a notable difference between operating a tankless heater in Michigan compared to operating one in Arizona in the dead of February. Naturally, water in the Southeast desert is warmer and is thus less taxing on your heater.
To run the numbers in a calculation checklist:
- First, list the number of hot water devices in your house that may be used at the same time.
Add up their flow rates based on gallons per minute.
- •Kitchen sinks use about 1 gallon/minute.
•Showers are between 2.5-3 gallons/minute.
•Larger appliances like dishwashers require 3 gallons/minute.
If your incoming water temperature for the shower is 60 degrees and you want to enjoy a 125 degree shower at a water flow rate of 3 gallons/minute, you will need a heater capable of reaching at least 65 degrees at 3 gallons/minute. If you want your heater to provide for more than just the shower—such as the kitchen sink or the dishwasher—then they need to be factored into the equation when investigating the heating unit’s capabilities.
Powerful gas-powered tankless heaters can warm water 70 degrees at five gallons/minute, while electric heaters can achieve two gallons/minute.
Faster flow rates or cooler inlet temperatures can sometimes reduce water temperature at the most distant faucet. In a busy household, some residents might want to run a bath tub at a lower flow rate for a warmer bath.
Tankless is an Investment
Like most green building features, the product costs more initially and saves money and energy consumption over the course of the product’s lifespan. Tankless water heaters vary in price and usually cost several hundred dollars more than the typical tank heater. In addition, installation can notch the price up into the four figures. Consulting a contractor and acquiring a permit through the city or county are both time-consuming and cumbersome.
But for people who want to integrate green building systems into their homes, going tankless is an effective way of striving toward that goal. Amid rising energy costs and water bills in some regions of the country, current savings can hover around $100 a year.
Tankless water heaters last for about 20 years, compared to the 10 to 15 year lifespan of the tank. And tankless heaters feature easily replaceable parts that can extend its lifespan years beyond that. Tax credits are available for making the improvement, which can save you hundreds of dollars. Check your state's Web site for more information. At the federal level, The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides tax credits through 2007 for homeowners who make such improvements.
The leap from the tank takes time, money, and patience. But once the leap is made, those warm showers might become a little warmer.
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